JonS: Actually the original concept of 8X8's was doing that for only one exercise or two (at the most) per muscle group. Example:A compound movement like BP's for chest, doing 8 set's of 8 reps. And than, if you must, following that with another chest exercise, but it was usually an extension exercise, like pec decks, cable flys, etc. with the same 8X8 scheme. All exercises a faster pace, of say 45 to 60 second set breaks. This gives you 16 sets. That 32 set thing can be self destructive. Which ever set scheme you try, go very easy at first. Break your CNS in slowly.
Might try going to
www.t-nation.com and do a search on Gironda, which will have (last time I looked) a very good article on Vince's training style and thoughts. Can buy his short courses on the net and get more insight. Things like 'V" bar dips, Sissy squats, real Roman chair work, Preacher Bench curls (had to be an exact angle & chest jammed into the top of the bench), special delt (highlighting the lateral raise) movements, calf training, etc. The thing about Gironda's methods, and the BB'ers who followed than, was the impressive delt/pec tie-in, large, wide and full delts (all three heads) and full belly biceps. Gironda also started the low carb diet structure a long time ago. His favorite meals usually included steak and eggs. To him, the perfect combination for muscle gains. I agree here.
We don't seem to have many free thinkers today as we did with him and other back in the day. Everything tends to be with-in the box thinking as far as training and diet goes for BB'ing. Repeating the same old things. (same thing on this site) Could use a new Italian renaissance man now, as Gironda was.
One thing about T-nations is that they will have a lot of stuff from coaches, trainers and BB'ers themselves that may not fit the general mold of present training ideas. Some work, but a lot will not be suited for everyone. (though T-nation does have their new super-duper supplement product every three months or so..at a special price offer...got to pay the bills I guess) New ideas and starting the thinking process can be worth it's weight in gold for any BB'er who really wants steady progress, for the labor he puts in at any gym. I wish GetBig could be that way. Good luck.
